Collaborative Research and Licensing Opportunity: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Antibodies

Collaborative Research and Licensing Opportunity:

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Antibodies

Colorized scanning electron micrograph of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus particles (yellow) attached to the surface of an infected VERO E6 cell (blue). Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID

NIAID researchers have identified and developed neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nMAbs) against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which target the spike (S) glycoprotein on the coronavirus surface that mediates viral entry into host cells. These novel antibodies target different regions of the S protein and, when administered in combination, reduce the possibility of viral escape. In preclinical testing, these nMAbs have demonstrated potent protective effects, preventing death, viral replication in the lower airways, and severe disease in challenge studies with mice. In addition, these nMAbs have potential application for use in assays for detecting MERS-CoV S protein in infected patients or animals. Read more about this exciting collaboration opportunity: https://www.ott.nih.gov/technology/e-239-2014.